By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship Election, as well as key details about their profiles and the campaign timeline, in the build-up to the highly anticipated November 8 gubernatorial contest.
According to a press statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, a total of 16 political parties have successfully fielded candidates for the election, following the conclusion of the substitution window that closed on Monday, June 2, 2025.
The electoral umpire revealed that the list includes details such as the names, ages, gender, and academic qualifications of the candidates, which have all been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms for public access and scrutiny.
According to the Commission, out of the 19 registered political parties in the country, 16 are participating in the election, among which two political parties — African Action Congress (AAC) and National Rescue Movement (NRM) — nominated female governorship candidates.
Additionally, the Commission said six parties — Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) — have fielded female running mates.
INEC, however, confirmed that no person with disability was nominated by any party as either governorship candidate or running mate. The ages of the candidates, it said, range from 36 to 71 years.
The Commission also highlighted that some political parties made lawful substitutions before the final deadline, citing that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary to replace its governorship candidate, while four other parties — Accord (A), AAC, LP, and NNPP — replaced their running mates in line with the provisions of Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Following the closure of the substitution window on June 2 and the release of the final list of candidates, INEC declared that no further substitutions or withdrawals will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate, as permitted under Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
Furthermore, in compliance with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, the electoral umpire declared that political parties are now authorized to commence open campaign activities effective from Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with the window expected to close at midnight on Thursday, November 6, 2025, which is two days before the election.
INEC in the statement, also reminded all political parties, candidates, and supporters that the law prohibits the use of abusive language, physical violence, and destruction of opponents’ campaign materials throughout the electioneering period. It stressed that political actors must conduct campaigns with civility, respect for others, and strict adherence to legal and democratic norms.
The Commission also warned against the misuse of incumbency power, affirming that no political party or candidate should be granted undue advantage or be disadvantaged through the use of public resources or facilities, as clearly stated under Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral process, and urged all stakeholders in the Anambra 2025 governorship race to play their part in maintaining peace, fairness, and electoral integrity throughout the period.
